Sideline

By CAREY FREEMAN and KEITH NIEBUHR

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 12, 2001

SHOOTING

Floral City teen wins Junior Olympic gold

Danielle Rebman didn't know what to expect when she arrived at the National Junior Olympics last week at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

She ended up leaving town with a gold medal.

The 15-year-old from Floral City was first in the 15-17 age group in the sport pistol and third in the air pistol. It was her first national event.

"I wasn't really nervous (during the competition)," Rebman said. "I got nervous when it was all over at the awards ceremony. I got butterflies being in front of the people that were there and finally being in the spotlight."

Rebman has been shooting for two years and is coached by her father, Dan. She typically competes in one event per month from September-February.

Rebman qualified for the Junior Olympics by winning a gold medal in sport pistol at the Florida Junior Olympics in February.

"My favorite part was the competition," Rebman said. "Winning was great, but I enjoyed shooting more."

During her stay in Colorado Springs, Rebman was taught new techniques by former and current members of the U.S. national team. After the competition, she attended a two-day camp to learn more from many of the country's top shooters.

"It was great," Rebman said. "It was awesome to be on the national level and actually get to spend time with athletes who competed in the Olympics or are going to compete in them.

"I learned a lot and also got an idea of what I need to work on."

SOFTBALL

Hurricane standout tosses no-hitter

Tabitha Schrufer, Citrus' leading pitcher, threw the first no-hitter of her career in Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Leesburg.

The senior struck out five and was helped by her defense. "They played great defense," Citrus coach Scott Waters said. "There were a couple of nice catches. Amber Presnick and Jessica Macdonald made two great diving catches to take hits away.

"Overall, the defense did a great job."

Schrufer improved to 14-4.

"She's come close at least on two dozen occasions," Waters said. "Since she's been here, she's had at least 12 one-hitters and just as many two-hitters."

GOLF

'Noles tourney set

The Citrus County Seminole Club's sixth annual tournament is May 12 at Citrus Hills Golf Club. All proceeds will go toward scholarships awarded to Citrus County high school seniors.

The tournament begins with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

Registration is limited to 144 players.

For more information, call Cathy Densmore at (352) 726-6164 or Danny Tvenstrup at (352) 726-9325.

OUTDOORS

Earth Day celebration to include biathlon

The Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and the Homosassa Riverside Resort are inviting local residents to celebrate Earth Day 2001 at the resort April 21.

The day's events begin with an 8 a.m. biathlon challenge, which will consist of a 9.5-mile run through the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and a 13-mile paddle.

Those not up for the entire biathlon can participate in either of the events or can set up relay teams with friends. A 4-mile guided walk through the refuge also will be available.

Winners of the Swamp Stomp biathlon will be announced at the 6 p.m. cookout.

Several other activities also are planned, including a "Friend Raiser" and drawing to benefit the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch/Carruth Camp, a display of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office PT Cruiser and a kid's I.D. unit sponsored by the Masonic Lodge.

For more information, call (352) 382-2744.

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